MCC already modified the ‘IA5’ loop at the end of April, removing the Korean call at Busan and the northward Russian extension to Vostochny. At this occasion, the service’s rotation was shortened from five to four weeks, with one ship cut from the fleet. It is now due to be stretched again, to allow for the service to be extended south to Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

The loop is presently staffed with ships of around 1,700 teu. Some of the services fleet is to be exchanged and three of the five future ‘IA5’ ship have yet to be nominated.

One of the vessels soon to phase-out, the 1,730 teu WEHR BLANKENESE, is actually moved to a new Singapore – Malaysia service. The vessel will start a fixed-day weekly rotation between Tanjung Pelepas, Singapore and Penang as of 25 June.